Majoring in Chemistry at E-town College
Chemistry helps us understand the world around us, giving us answer to how the physical world interacts with itself. Foundational breakthroughs in areas like pharmaceuticals and medicine are all driven by the study and mastery of chemistry. From understanding how medicines will interact to cooking breakfast, chemistry is at the base of our everyday life.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The Chemistry major at Elizabethtown College includes coursework in biology, physics, mathematics and computing, and is excellent preparation for a variety of careers in chemistry. All majors in the Department will complete faculty-supervised research as a part of their capstone experience.
For students looking to study healthcare professions after graduating, such as Pre-Medicine, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, or Pre-Dentistry, a major in Chemistry makes a great starting point for the foundational knowledge needed to complete those post-graduate areas of study!The Department of Chemistry at E-town College offers five concentrations within the Chemistry major to ensure students are equipped to pursue the educational or professional career path they are interested in.
From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Taking students beyond the E-town classroom
James MacKay, Associate Professor of Chemistry, broadens horizons through research
For some students it can be hard to fully grasp what comes beyond college. They could take on an internship, go directly into the workforce or continue their education. At Elizabethtown College, chemistry students have the opportunity to work with professors and staff members to explore what is available after graduation, before they graduate. This guidance is the purpose behind James MacKay’s recent Winter Break workshop at Binghamton University in New York State. Students volunteered for this trip to work in a lab focused on ribonucleic acid research and learn advanced lab techniques. Additionally, the E-town students had the opportunity to experience grad school while still undergraduates.
“The goal is to expose students to as much exciting science as possible.”
American Chemical Society (ACS) concentration
This concentration prepares students for graduate school, careers in the medical field (dental, medical, vet, etc.), or for a career in industrial or government laboratories. Especially important in this concentration are advanced laboratory courses, senior-level courses in advanced inorganic and advanced organic chemistry, and the individual research project. The American Chemical Society (ACS) concentration is accredited by the the American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training.
Chemical Physics
The Chemical Physics concentration provides a solid background in chemistry with added emphasis in physics and physical chemistry. This emphasis is largely in quantum chemistry, and the theoretical study of molecular behavior based on the laws of physics. This allows students to study the properties of matter through theoretical and computational means. This concentration is best suited for someone interested in going to graduate school and specializing in theoretical chemistry.
Chemistry Management
By integrating foundation business and economics courses with a strong chemistry curriculum, this concentration prepares students for sales or management positions within the chemical, medical, and related industries. Many students pursuing this concentration will still elect to conduct independent research to further increase their marketability when they enter the workforce.
Chemistry Secondary Education
Want to inspire young learners into a lifelong education in the sciences? This track prepares students for a path of teaching chemistry at the secondary (grades 7-12) level. In addition to completing key education courses, the chemistry secondary education program merges sound foundational courses in the sciences (including biology, physics, and math) with a rigorous curriculum in chemistry. Furthermore many students complement their student teaching requirements with optional independent research or study abroad to make themselves even more competitive in the teaching arena. See additional academic information on the Secondary Education concentration in Chemistry.
Forensic Chemistry
Introduces students to the field of forensic science, preparing them for graduate school or for a career in the laboratory. This degree track focuses on the application of chemistry in crime laboratories where evidence from crime scenes is analyzed. Paint chips, broken glass, gunshot residues, fire remains, legal and illegal drugs, and bodily fluids are typically analyzed as a part of coursework. The forensic chemistry major provides a fundamental background in chemistry, along with additional courses that would be of benefit for someone interested in pursuing a career in forensic science, or considering matriculating into the police academy.
Chemistry B.S. Catalog Information
After Graduation
Where do our graduates go?
40%
into workforce
30%
enter graduate school
30%
enter professional school